a substantial area

USAGE SUMMARY

"a substantial area" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that takes up a large or significant amount of physical space. For example, "The park spanned a substantial area of the city."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Its militia controls a substantial area in the northeast and along the Turkish border.

The New York Times

Photos show a substantial area of the stern burned on several decks, and equipment damaged by the flames.

The Guardian - Travel

Nomads continue to hang on in a substantial area of Central Asia, especially in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, and in many cases are prospering.

The New York Times

The walls of the old city, within which lies a substantial area of the modern town, probably originally contained only royal, aristocratic, religious, and administrative buildings.

Britannica

The discovery of stellar associations depended on knowledge of the characteristics and motions of individual stars scattered over a substantial area.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Transboundary water systems cover a substantial area of the planet and provide critical ecosystem services for much of the global population.

Environmental Development

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

That is a deterioration over a very substantial area, even though it is worth pointing out that yields are continuing to improve on a majority of the world's farmland.There are two worrying features of the slowdown.

The Economist

We found a fairly substantial area, and just through persistence and the availability of federal dollars for extramural research, we've been able to be competitive and keep this thing going for the last 28 years.

The New York Times

In breaching a dam and draining a reservoir, substantial areas of land could become available for new uses.

The Guardian

However, a substantial surface area increase was noted and this was attributed to the ultrasound de-aggregating catalyst particles.

Catalysis Today

For unstable patients, the costs of hospital treatment were identified as being a substantial cost area.

Health Economics Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a substantial area", ensure the context clearly defines what the area consists of, whether it's land, a surface, or an abstract space like a field of study.

Common error

Avoid using "a substantial area" when referring to something that is merely average in size. The term implies a significantly larger than typical extent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a substantial area" functions as a noun phrase, where "substantial" modifies the noun "area". It describes the size or extent of something, emphasizing that it is considerable or significant. As Ludwig indicates, its usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a substantial area" is a grammatically correct and generally accepted phrase used to describe a significantly large or important space. Ludwig shows that it appears most frequently in science, news, and encyclopedic contexts. While suitable for various registers, it's important to use it accurately, ensuring the described area truly warrants the adjective "substantial". Alternatives like "a considerable expanse" or "a significant region" can be used for subtle variations in meaning. Remember to define the context of the "a substantial area" to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a considerable expanse

Replaces "area" with "expanse" emphasizing the broad and open nature of the space.

a significant region

Substitutes "substantial" with "significant" and "area" with "region", highlighting importance alongside size.

a large tract of land

Specifies "area" as land, making it more concrete and vivid.

a sizable portion

Focuses on the concept of a part that is notably big, rather than the whole area.

an extensive territory

Emphasizes the wide-ranging nature of the "area", often implying control or ownership.

a noteworthy segment

Shifts the emphasis to the importance and distinction of the "area".

a respectable division

Suggests a fair or considerable share of something rather than a physical space.

a generous allocation

Implies that the area has been given or assigned in a plentiful amount.

an appreciable zone

Replaces "substantial" with "appreciable" to indicate that the area is easily noticed or estimated.

a considerable domain

Highlights ownership or control over the "area", shifting focus from size to authority.

FAQs

How can I use "a substantial area" in a sentence?

Use "a substantial area" to describe a large or significant amount of space or surface. For example, "The forest covered "a substantial area" of the country."

What are some alternatives to "a substantial area"?

You can use alternatives such as "a considerable expanse", "a significant region", or "a large tract of land" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a substantial area"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe a large or significant space. Ludwig AI confirms its validity.

What does "a substantial area" typically refer to?

It generally refers to a significant amount of land, surface, or region. The term "substantial" emphasizes that the size or extent is considerable and noteworthy.